Area high school seniors visit West Point

Newton - Students in Jim Hofmann’s technology classes recently visited the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. at the invitation of Col. Stephen Ressler, Ph.D., P.E. vice dean for education. Ressler heads the annual “senior project day” at West Point. This is the day senior cadets present the culmination of their research in front of instructors, fellow cadets and invited guests. In addition to the students deom Sussex County, three Iraqi generals were guests for the day as well. The students were given unrestricted passage to all presentations and laboratory exhibits for the day. They had an opportunity to meet and question Ressler as well as any cadets they met. The “ballista,” which launches a golf ball, was one of the highlights for the technology students. “Mini-Baja” was another design challenge, where students teamed up to create a small vehicle intended for off-road use and other military applications. The students also visited Brian Reily, head coach of the Army hockey team, who gave a passionate talk about Division I sports and the opportunities at West Point. A photograph of Cadet Derek Hines hangs above the chalk talk board at the end of the room. Reily told the students about Hines and his unselfish attitude towards all who came in contact with him. A 2003 graduate, Hines had been co-captain of the hockey team although he was one of the smallest players on the squad. He was killed in action in Afghanistan in September. “He cared more for his fellow men in combat and on the bench in an ice rink than he did for himself,” said Reily. He noted that although he had been wounded twice previously in Afghanistan, Hines never told his coach, who corresponded weekly with him. He could have been sent home but chose to stay with his men. Reily’s description of Hines’ character made a strong impression on the visiting students.